Deep coverage17 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Cabo Verde.
3 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Cabo Verde EASE Pre-Registration and Airport Security Tax (TSA)
Since 2019 most short-stay visitors from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, ECOWAS/CEDEAO, CPLP and other partner states no longer need a Cabo Verde tourist visa; instead every foreign traveller (except Cabo Verdean nationals and resident-permit holders) must pre-register on the EASE platform (www.ease.gov.cv) at least 5 days before travel and pay the Airport Security Tax (Taxa de Seguranca Aeroportuaria, TSA). The TSA is 3,400 CVE (about EUR 31) for international flights and 150 CVE (about EUR 1.36) for inter-island flights; children under two and official-mission passengers are exempt. The EASE registration carries passport, flight and accommodation data, is valid for one year, and covers a stay of up to 30 days for visa-exempt nationals. It confers no work or residence rights.
Valid passportTravel document valid for the stay, with passport data entered into the EASE registration.
EASE pre-registrationOnline pre-registration at www.ease.gov.cv completed at least 5 days before arrival.
Airport Security Tax (TSA) paymentPayment of 3,400 CVE for international flights (150 CVE inter-island) via the EASE platform.
Flight detailsInbound and onward/return flight information entered in EASE.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or address of stay declared in the EASE registration.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalEvidence of means to support the stay, which border officials may request.
Tourist Visa
Cabo Verde Tourism Visa (Visto de Turismo)
The tourism visa is required by nationals of countries that do not have a visa-waiver agreement with Cabo Verde and is used for recreational travel, visits and cruises. It must be used within 180 days of issuance, allows a stay of up to 90 days renewable for an equal period, and is granted by Cabo Verde embassies and consulates, at the EASE platform or at border posts. A typical consular single-entry visa fee is about EUR 44.20 (about EUR 88.60 for multiple entry); a free visa may also be obtained on arrival from the Foreigners and Borders service. The EASE pre-registration and TSA still apply on top of the visa. It grants no work or residence rights.
Government fee
€44.20
Max stay
90 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted tourism visa application, lodged via EASE, a consulate or a border post.
Valid passportTravel document valid beyond the intended stay, with a blank page.
Proof of accommodationHotel reservation or address of stay in Cabo Verde.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of onward or return travel.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalEvidence of means to support the stay.
EASE pre-registration and TSAEASE registration and Airport Security Tax payment required in addition to the visa.
Transit Visa
Cabo Verde Transit Visa (Visto de Transito)
The transit visa is for travellers who must stop over in Cabo Verde while travelling to a final destination in a third country. It is a single-entry visa valid for a stay of up to 4 days, renewable, and requires a travel document valid beyond the intended transit and evidence of onward travel. The EASE pre-registration and Airport Security Tax apply on arrival. It confers no work, study or residence rights.
Max stay
4 days
Document checklist (5)
Transit visa applicationCompleted transit visa application via consulate, EASE or border post.
Valid passportTravel document valid beyond the intended transit period.
Onward travel evidenceTicket and, where required, visa for the final destination.
EASE pre-registration and TSAEASE registration and Airport Security Tax payment on arrival.
Not yet researched
Business Visitor Visa
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Cabo Verde Temporary Residence for Higher Education Study
Temporary residence authorisation for foreign students admitted to a recognised higher-education institution in Cabo Verde. Applicants must show proof of enrolment, payment of fees and means of subsistence, plus housing and a clean criminal record. The permit is valid for 2 years and renewable for successive 2-year periods covering the study programme. Time spent studying counts toward the 5 years of temporary residence required for permanent residence. Applications are filed with the DEF or via the e-residencia portal.
Study: Full enrolment at the admitting higher-education institution.
Residency after 5 years
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (8)
Residence authorisation applicationStandardised DEF application form, filed in person or via the e-residencia portal.
Valid passport and residence visaPassport with a valid residence/study visa entry stamp.
Proof of enrolmentAdmission and enrolment certificate from a recognised Cabo Verde higher-education institution.
Proof of fee paymentEvidence that tuition/registration fees have been paid.
Proof of means of subsistenceEvidence of funds or a sponsor to support studies and living costs.
Health documentsMedical certificate and international vaccination certificate.
Proof of accommodationEvidence of housing in Cabo Verde.
Criminal record certificateOptionalPolice clearance from the country of origin (where required by age).
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
5 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
Cabo Verde Remote Working Programme (Digital Nomad Residence)
Cabo Verde's Remote Working Programme grants a temporary residence to non-resident remote workers and their families who earn their income outside Cabo Verde. It is open to nationals of Europe, North America, the CPLP and the ECOWAS/CEDEAO area. Applicants prove a minimum average bank balance over the previous six months of EUR 1,500 for an individual or EUR 2,700 for a family. The permit is valid for 6 months and renewable once for a further 6 months (one year maximum). Holders are not treated as Cabo Verde tax residents and pay no local income tax on foreign-sourced earnings. The visa fee is around 5,000 CVE (about EUR 45), plus the EASE pre-registration and the Airport Security Tax.
Work: Remote work for foreign employers/clients only; no access to the Cabo Verde labour market.
Family: Spouse and dependants can be included under the higher EUR 2,700 family balance threshold.
Government fee
CVE 5,000
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (8)
Remote-work visa applicationCompleted application form for the Remote Working Programme.
Valid passportTravel document valid for the duration of the stay.
Proof of bank balanceBank statements showing an average balance of at least EUR 1,500 (individual) or EUR 2,700 (family) over the previous six months.
Proof of remote employment or businessEmployment contract, client contracts or company registration evidencing foreign-sourced income.
Travel/health insuranceHealth or travel insurance valid in Cabo Verde.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking, lease or address of stay.
Criminal record certificatePolice clearance certificate from the country of origin.
EASE pre-registration and TSAEASE registration and Airport Security Tax payment on arrival.
Freelancer Visa
Residence permit for independent professional activity
Available
Cabo Verde's immigration law provides a residence permit for exercising independent professional activity, used by freelancers/entrepreneurs establishing local activity, requiring proof of means, police clearance and evidence of the activity (business plan/investment).
The temporary visa is for purposes that exceed a short tourist stay but do not yet justify a residence visa, including cultural travel, business missions, professional or technical activities not exceeding one year, artistic and sporting activity, teaching and qualified work. Applicants must document the purpose of the stay. It is the usual route for short professional assignments and self-employed activity of limited duration before any move to a residence permit. The EASE pre-registration and Airport Security Tax apply.
Work: Permits the documented professional/technical activity for up to one year; not open-ended employment.
Residency after 5 years
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Temporary visa applicationCompleted temporary visa application via consulate, EASE or border post.
Valid passportTravel document valid beyond the intended stay.
Proof of purposeDocuments proving the cultural, business, professional, technical, artistic, sporting or teaching purpose.
Proof of meansEvidence of funds to support the stay.
Proof of accommodationEvidence of accommodation in Cabo Verde.
EASE pre-registration and TSAEASE registration and Airport Security Tax payment on arrival.
Self-Employment Visa
Cabo Verde Temporary Residence for Independent Activity
Temporary residence authorisation for foreigners carrying on an independent profession or service activity in Cabo Verde, evidenced by an established company, a service contract or a declaration from the relevant professional order. It requires a residence visa, means of subsistence, housing, a tax number, social-security enrolment where applicable and a clean criminal record. The permit is valid for 2 years and renewable for successive 2-year periods, leading to permanent residence after 5 years of temporary residence. Applications are filed with the DEF or via the e-residencia portal.
Work: Authorises the declared independent professional or service activity.
Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside the activity.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Family members can join via family reunification.
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (8)
Residence authorisation applicationStandardised DEF application form, filed in person or via the e-residencia portal.
Valid passport and residence visaPassport with a valid residence visa entry stamp.
Proof of independent activityCompany registration, service contract or professional-order declaration.
Criminal record certificatesPolice clearance from the country of origin and from Cabo Verde.
Health documentsMedical certificate and international vaccination certificate.
Proof of accommodationProperty certificate of own housing or a valid rental contract.
Tax and social-security registrationCabo Verde tax identification number and social-security enrolment where applicable.
Proof of means of subsistenceEvidence of income or funds to support the stay.
Skilled Work Visa
Cabo Verde Temporary Residence for Subordinate Work
Temporary residence authorisation for foreigners taking up employment in Cabo Verde under a valid work contract that meets legal requirements. The application is filed with the Direccao de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (or any National Police unit) up to 15 days before the current visa or authorised stay expires and requires a residence visa, means of subsistence, housing, a tax number, social-security enrolment where applicable, and a clean criminal record. The permit (and its Titulo de Residencia card) is valid for 2 years and renewable for successive 2-year periods. After 5 years of temporary residence the holder may apply for permanent residence. Renewal must be requested at least 45 days before expiry.
Work: Authorises subordinate employment under the contract presented.
Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Family members can join via family reunification.
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (8)
Residence authorisation applicationStandardised DEF application form, filed in person or via the e-residencia portal.
Valid passport and residence visaPassport with a valid residence visa entry stamp.
Employment contractValid work contract meeting the legal requirements for subordinate employment.
Criminal record certificatesPolice clearance from the country of origin and from Cabo Verde.
Health documentsMedical certificate (atestado de saude) and international vaccination certificate.
Proof of accommodationProperty/registry certificate of own housing or a valid rental contract.
Tax and social-security registrationCabo Verde tax identification number and INPS social-security enrolment where applicable.
Proof of means of subsistenceEvidence of stable income or funds to support the stay.
Not yet researched
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
2 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Residence by Real Estate
Cabo Verde Green Card (Permanent Residence by Real-Estate Investment)
The Green Card is a permanent-residence status granted to foreigners who acquire real estate in Cabo Verde, created to attract second-home and tourism-real-estate investment. The qualifying investment is at least EUR 80,000 (about 8,821,200 CVE) in municipalities with below-average GDP per capita, or at least EUR 120,000 (about 13,231,800 CVE) in municipalities at or above the national average. The capital must be transferred from abroad and the property must be unencumbered. The status grants permanent residence (renewed every 5 years) and, where the investor is a retiree whose pension was earned abroad, an income-tax exemption under the personal income tax code. It is a residence programme, not citizenship by investment.
Work: Permanent residence gives broad access to live and work in Cabo Verde.
Study: Permanent residents may study on equal terms.
Residency: This is permanent residence from the outset, renewed every 5 years; no citizenship-by-investment route exists.
Family: Family members can be included or join via family reunification.
Validity
1,825 days
Min. investment
€80,000
Document checklist (8)
Green Card applicationPermanent-residence (Green Card) application filed with the Direccao de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras.
Valid passportPassport with the entry visa/stamp.
Property acquisition documentDeed of purchase or promissory purchase contract for the qualifying real estate.
Capital-transfer declarationFinancial-institution declaration confirming the capital was transferred from abroad.
Property registry and cadastral certificatesPredial registry certificate and matricial (cadastral) certificate proving ownership free of encumbrances.
Criminal record certificatesPolice clearance from the country of origin and from Cabo Verde.
Health documentsMedical examination and international vaccination certificate.
Construction contractOptionalConstruction contract if the property is still under development.
Business Investor Visa
Cabo Verde Temporary Residence for Investment / Economic Activity
Temporary residence authorisation for foreigners making a significant investment or carrying on a relevant economic activity in Cabo Verde, the active-business route promoted alongside Cabo Verde TradeInvest and the International Business Centre (Centro Internacional de Negocios) incentive regime. There is no fixed passive-investment floor for this temporary permit; the applicant must document the investment or business activity, means of subsistence, housing and a clean criminal record. The permit is valid for 2 years and renewable for successive 2-year periods, leading to permanent residence after 5 years. Larger qualifying real-estate investment can instead access the permanent-residence Green Card directly.
Work: Authorises the declared investment/business activity.
Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside the activity.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Family members can join via family reunification.
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (7)
Residence authorisation applicationStandardised DEF application form, filed in person or via the e-residencia portal.
Valid passport and residence visaPassport with a valid residence visa entry stamp.
Proof of investment or economic activityCompany registration, investment project documents or TradeInvest/CIN incentive approval.
Proof of capitalBank declaration confirming transfer of funds from abroad for the investment.
Criminal record certificatesPolice clearance from the country of origin and from Cabo Verde.
Health documentsMedical certificate and international vaccination certificate.
Proof of accommodation and meansEvidence of housing and means of subsistence in Cabo Verde.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Cabo Verde Permanent Residence for Retirees
Retired foreigners may be granted permanent residence in Cabo Verde without first completing 5 years of temporary residence. Means of subsistence are demonstrated through a regular pension or retirement income, and applicants must show housing, a clean record (no prison sentence over one year), no public-health or security risk, and basic knowledge of the official (Portuguese) language. The permanent permit has no expiry but is renewed every 5 years. Where the pension was earned outside Cabo Verde, the retiree benefits from an income-tax exemption under the personal income tax code (CIRPS).
Work: Permanent residence allows work, though the route targets retirees living on pension income.
Study: Permanent residents may study on equal terms.
Residency: Permanent residence granted directly to qualifying retirees; renewed every 5 years.
Family: Spouse and dependants can be included or join via family reunification.
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (7)
Permanent residence applicationDEF permanent-residence application form on the retiree basis.
Valid passport and residence visaPassport with a valid residence visa entry stamp.
Proof of pension incomeEvidence of a regular pension or retirement income.
Proof of accommodationProperty certificate of own housing or a valid rental contract.
Criminal record certificatesPolice clearance showing no prison sentence exceeding one year.
Health documentsMedical certificate and international vaccination certificate.
Proof of language knowledgeDemonstrated basic knowledge of the official Portuguese language.
Not yet researched
Working Holiday Visa
2 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Cabo Verde Temporary Residence for Family Reunification
Family reunification residence authorisation allows a foreigner lawfully resident in Cabo Verde to bring close family members, namely the spouse, the couple's or one spouse's minor or dependent children, and adopted minors. Applicants must show the family relationship, that the sponsor holds valid residence, and adequate means of subsistence and housing. The permit follows the standard temporary residence regime, valid 2 years and renewable for successive 2-year periods, and counts toward permanent residence after 5 years. Family members generally enjoy access to work and study.
Work: Reunited family members generally access the labour market under their residence permit.
Study: Family members may study on equal terms.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Designed for the spouse, minor/dependent children and adopted minors of the sponsor.
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (7)
Family reunification applicationDEF residence authorisation application on the family-reunification basis, via the e-residencia portal or in person.
Valid passportPassport of each family member, valid beyond the intended stay.
Proof of family relationshipMarriage certificate, birth certificate or adoption decision, legalised/translated where required.
Sponsor's residence titleCopy of the sponsor's valid Cabo Verde residence permit (Titulo de Residencia).
Proof of means of subsistenceEvidence the sponsor has sufficient income to support the family.
Proof of accommodationEvidence of adequate housing for the family.
Health documentsMedical certificate and international vaccination certificate for joining members.
Ancestry / Repatriation
Nationality of origin by option (2023 diaspora amendment)
Available
A 2023 law extends nationality of origin to persons born abroad who are children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren or great-great-grandchildren of Cape Verdean nationals, on declaration and without any residence requirement.
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
Cabo Verde Temporary Residence for Highly Qualified Activity
Temporary residence authorisation for foreigners performing a highly qualified activity, defined chiefly as teaching or research at a higher-education or scientific institution in Cabo Verde. It requires a residence visa, proof of the qualified position (such as a contract or appointment from the institution), means of subsistence, housing and a clean criminal record. The permit is valid for 2 years and renewable for successive 2-year periods, with permanent residence available after 5 years of temporary residence.
Work: Authorises the highly qualified teaching or research activity.
Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside the activity.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Family members can join via family reunification.
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (7)
Residence authorisation applicationStandardised DEF application form, filed in person or via the e-residencia portal.
Valid passport and residence visaPassport with a valid residence visa entry stamp.
Proof of qualified positionContract or appointment letter for teaching or research at a recognised higher-education or scientific institution.
Proof of qualificationsHigher-education diplomas or evidence of professional qualifications.
Criminal record certificatesPolice clearance from the country of origin and from Cabo Verde.
Health documentsMedical certificate and international vaccination certificate.
Proof of accommodation and meansEvidence of housing and means of subsistence in Cabo Verde.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Cabo Verde Residence Visa (Visto de Residencia)
The residence visa is the consular entry visa for foreigners who intend to establish habitual residence in Cabo Verde, typically to take up subordinate or independent professional activity certified by an employment or service contract. It is issued by a Cabo Verde embassy or consulate before travel and must be converted, after arrival, into a residence authorisation (autorizacao de residencia) granted by the Direccao de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras. The visa establishes the lawful basis for the first residence-permit application; specific supporting documents depend on the residence category being sought.
Work: Underpins a residence permit that authorises the declared employment or self-employment.
Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside the main activity.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Family members can join via family reunification once residence is established.
Document checklist (7)
Residence visa applicationCompleted residence visa application lodged at a Cabo Verde consulate or via EASE.
Valid passportTravel document valid beyond the intended stay.
Proof of activityEmployment contract, service contract or proof of independent professional activity.
Criminal record certificatePolice clearance from the country of origin.
Health documentsMedical certificate and international vaccination certificate.
Proof of means and accommodationEvidence of means of subsistence and housing in Cabo Verde.
Permanent residence authorisation is granted to foreigners who have held temporary residence authorisation for at least 5 years (3 years for relatives of Cabo Verdean nationals) and to qualifying retirees. Applicants must show means of subsistence, adequate housing, no prison sentence exceeding one year, no public-health or security risk, and demonstrated knowledge of the official Portuguese language. The status has no expiry date but the Titulo de Residencia must be renewed every 5 years. Permanent residents enjoy near-equal treatment with nationals in work, study and social rights and can later pursue naturalisation.
Work: Work without restriction, near-equal treatment with nationals.
Study: Education on equal terms with nationals.
Residency: This is permanent residence; naturalisation may follow under the nationality law.
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (7)
Permanent residence applicationDEF permanent-residence application form, filed in person or via the e-residencia portal.
Valid passportPassport valid beyond the intended stay.
Proof of 5 years temporary residenceEvidence of at least 5 years of continuous temporary residence (3 years for relatives of nationals) or qualifying retiree status.
Proof of means of subsistenceEvidence of stable income or funds.
Proof of accommodationProperty certificate of own housing or a valid rental contract.
Criminal record certificateClearance showing no prison sentence exceeding one year.
Proof of language knowledgeDemonstrated knowledge of the official Portuguese language.
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